Serum Review: Darphin Paris Stimulskin Plus Reshaping Divine Serum

Darphin Paris Stimulskin Plus Reshaping Divine Serum

Availability: It appears that this particular serum has been discontinued.

Would I buy this? No.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Product info according to darphin.com:

Created to mimic the results of Pierre Darphin's effectual deep massage, this incredible serum is only made in a limited supply and has a double-volumizing action with exclusive Sea Emerald™ to re-inflate the hollow zones of the face and visibly lift and tighten. The combination of this botanical jewel with Commipheroline, a potent lipo-restructuring ingredient, offers the ultimate in skin contouring and an exquisite sensory experience.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Algae Extract: Contain detoxing and antioxidant properties and contain peptides which help smooth the skin's surface. 

Barley Extract: Has antioxidant properties.

Sweet Almond Oil Extract: Contains antioxidant and healing properties, helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. 

Centaury Extract: Contains hydrating qualities. 

Chestnut Seed Extract: Contains antioxidant properties. 

Tomato Fruit Extract: Helps balance the skin's pH, regulates sebum production, has antioxidant properties, and, through the action of lycopene, helps prevent collagen breakdown.

Mulberry Extract: Contains antioxidant benefits. 

Grape Extract: Has antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and anti-UV properties. 

What is the texture like?

I would say the texture on this is gel-like.

Is this scented?
This has a light, sweet floral fragrance which I find pleasant.

What has my experience with the product been like?

So folks, although I've recently hit 30 I would say I don't have many aging concerns (thankfully!) outside of creepiness around my eye area especially when I've been sleep deprived - what I'm basically saying is that I really cannot speak to this intense anti-aging effect this stuff is supposed to have. I like that it feels really nice on the skin and has a beautiful lightweight texture that feels gently hydrating and smoothing. That said $325 for 1 ounce of product is currently out of my price range and I can't justify purchasing this just because it "feels nice" - now if this... idk... took away my double chin or chubbiness around my jaw/cheek region maybe I'd be blown away enough to think it was worth the money but, to me, at this age, it's not. 

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am not obligated or being compensated to mention it on this blog. 

Serum Review: Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense

Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense

Availability: This is available at bluemercury.com as well as their respective physical store/ locations along with dermstore.com, skinceuticals.com, and skinstore.com. The retail pricing is $98 for 1 oz. (30 mL).

Would I buy this? No.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Product info according to bluemercury.com:

WHAT IT IS

A skin brightening serum clinically proven as an effective dark spot corrector.

BENEFITS

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration on the face. Powered by kojic acid, tranexamic acid and vitamin B3, this advanced formula is a hydroquinone-free skin brightening serum. 

Key Benefits: 

Features a synergistic blend of anti-discoloration ingredients to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration, improve brightness, and minimize the reoccurrence of discoloration (with continued use) 60% average improvement in the appearance of stubborn brown patches Paraben-free, fragrance-free, silicone-free, gluten-free, and hydroquinone-free Ideal at-home complement to professional skin discoloration treatments, such as chemical peels or non-ablative laser; always consult with a physician for individual regimen recommendations

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to bluemercury.com:
3% tranexamic acid: minimizes the reoccurrence of discoloration and brown patches with continued use
1% kojic acid: helps improve skin brightness
5% niacinamide (vitamin B3): has been shown to help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration
5% HEPES: activates natural enzymes in skin to help break the bonds that bind dead skin cells to the surface for even exfoliation

What is the texture like?

The texture of this is what I would describe as a very watery gel. It is very runny and liquid-y but spreads in a gel-like way... if that makes any sense.

Is this scented?
To me this has no discernible scent. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

I may not be an appropriate candidate to test this product as I don't really have any "dark spots" to speak of and my main discoloration concerns are redness and under-eye darkness. That said, I will speak to the texture of this. It feels refreshing and lightly moisturizing, I do think that its enzymatic action leaves my skin feeling smooth and evenly textured, which I like. However, as I've said, because it's not the most appropriate serum for me and is at a high price point I just don't think it's worth the money for something that just feels nice.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am not obligated or being compensated to mention it on this blog. 

Toner Review: REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

Availability: This product retails at $20 for 3.4 fl. oz. (100 mL), $39 for 8.5 fl. oz. (250 mL), and $55 for 16.9 fl. oz. (500 mL) and can be purchased at sephora.com and bluemerucry.com along with their physical store locations along with renskincare.com. 

Would I buy this?: No.

Notes: According to sephora.com:
Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Normal
✔ Oily
✔ Combination
✔ Dry
✔ Sensitive
What it is:
A toner that provides a daily dose of clean bio active extracts to help the skin exfoliate and give your skin a balanced glow, naturally.
Solutions for:
- Dullness and uneven texture
- Uneven skin tone
- Pores
If you want to know more…
This effective, skin-resurfacing toner will exfoliate and brighten your complexion, while being gentle enough to use daily. By stimulating the skin to naturally exfoliate, lactic acid and willow bark extract work together to smooth, tone and help reduce the pore size, while azelaic acid precursor will brighten and help to even out skin tone for the perfect glow.
What else you need to know:
Did you know your skin only needs to reach a pH of 3.5 to 4 to achieve its natural glow? This tonic provides a "quality over quantity" formula to deliver the optimum pH your skin needs to trigger its natural exfoliation process and provide a balanced pH of 3.5 to 4. Result: skin is naturally exfoliated smoothed and toned, and pore size is reduced, giving your skin a bright skin tone for the perfect glow.
This product is vegan and free of gluten and nuts. REN never tests on animals. REN uses responsibly sourced board and recycles its packaging. REN only uses natural inks and natural fragrances.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

According to sephora.com:

-LacticC38:F42e with discoloration
-Azelaic Acid Precursor: Prevents the melanin production, promoting a balanced skin tone; addresses uneven skin tone and dark spots while improving skin quality for a brighter and more luminous appearance. 

You might also like to know that:

REN does not use skin unfriendly ingredients, all products are free from synthetic fragrance, pore-blocking petrochemicals, sulfate detergents, silicones, synthetic colors, animal ingredients, and parabens. In addition, REN products do not contain potential irritants including: glycols and diglycols (such as propylene glycol), PEG's, PPGs, urea, D.E.A, T.E.A, PABA, and other synthetic sunscreens, aliphatic alcohols/hydrocarbons, phthalates, fumarates, amines, alkanolamines, synthetic AHAs/BHAs, polyacrylamide, metacrylate, elastomer, poloxamer, styrene, vinyl, polyquaternium, synthetic chelating agents, nylon, nitriles, nitrates, nitrosamine releasers, bromates, fluor, aluminum, and alumina.

What is the texture like?

This feels pretty watery, hydrating and is refreshing when applied. 

Is this scented?

This has a citrus-y orange scent.

What has my experience with the product been like?

So I really wanted to love this stuff, I love the way it smells, I love things that are supposed to give my skin a glow and leave it smooth... unfortunately while using this I've noticed a lot of clogged pores around my nasal region and an ugly region of deep, painful acne cysts on the left side of my jawline. I understand that there is perhaps a purging stage of using an AHA product but I know there are ones out on the market that my skin reacts better to and I would prefer to use those.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. 

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation nor am I being compensated to mention it on this blog. 

Makeup Remover Review: One Love Organics Skin Savior Multi-Tasking Wonder Balm

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for One Love Organics Skin Savior Multi-Tasking Wonder Balm

Availability: This retails at $49 for 1.8 oz and can be purchased at bluemercury.com, ulta.com, credo.com, detoxmarket.com, or neimanmarcus.com along with their physical store locations as well as oneloveorganics.com and eskinstore.com 

Would I buy this?: Probably not.

What is this product designed to address?

According to oneloveorganics.com:

Let simplicity reign in your life and on your skin. Why complicate your day juggling products when one wonder answers all calls? The ultimate multi-tasker, Skin Savior removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin, moisturizes, illuminates and even turns mineral powder into a glowing foundation treatment. With an antioxidant-rich blend of organic coconut oil, mango butter, jojoba and chia, this citrus and vanilla treat is the perfect solution for just about any of your skin's needs.

100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin

92.2% of the total ingredients are from organic farming

Natural and Organic Cosmetics certified by Ecocert Greenlife according to Ecocert Standard available at http://cosmetics.ecocert.com

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Coconut Oil: Has hydrating, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Sweet Soy Oil: Contains hydrating properties, helps even skin-tone, and smooth out skin's texture.
Jojoba Oil: Contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Orange Peel Wax: Has anti-irritation and skin soothing properties
Meadowfoam Seed Oil: Helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Chia Seed Extract: Contains hydrating and skin-soothing properties
Rosemary Leaf Extract: Contains antiseptic and anti-oxidant qualities.
Vitamin E: Contains antioxidant qualities.

What is the texture like?

The texture is quite thick and balmy, I would say it's heavy and leaves a somewhat of waxy residue on the skin. 

Is it scented?

This has a sweet, citrus-y scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

So it wasn't until today that I realized that this can be used as a moisturizer AND a makeup remover; in fact I'm sure it would work as a lip balm and cuticle treatment as well. What's great about the product, other than its wonderful scent, is that a little bit goes a LONG WAY. Anyhow, I've been using this exclusively as a makeup remover and while I like how thoroughly it removes even stubborn makeup I don't love how thick and waxy it feels on my skin. One Love does have a makeup remover oil which I prefer for makeup removal purposes.
I plan on using this as a moisturizer and lip balm and referring back with at least a first impression and something more thorough in an empties post (unless you'd like to see it here).
Update: I used a TINY BIT today as moisturizer - I'm talking like maybe a rice grain size and my skin feels super soft like a baby's bottom but without it feeling heavy or greasy - I think the secret is to apply it over slightly damp skin as the directions tell you as it provides a better glide. I LOVE it as a lip balm too - my lips feel so soft and well-conditioned.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am not being compensated to mention it on this here blog. 

Cleanser Review: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Availability: Standard retail pricing for this item is as follows: $15 for a 1.6 fl. oz. (50mL) mini. $38 for 5 fl. oz. (150 mL), $44 for 6.7 fl. oz. (200 mL), or $69 for 13.5 fl. oz. (400 mL) . It can be purchased at sephora.com, bluemercury.com, fresh.com, and nordstrom.com along with their respective physical store locations.

Would I buy this?: No

What is this product designed to address?
According to sephora.com this is what the product is and what it does:

Which skin type is it good for?

✔ Normal

✔ Oily

✔ Combination

✔ Dry

What it is:

A bestselling, do-it-all cleanser for all skin types that’s tough on makeup but gentle on skin.

Solutions for:

- Dryness 

- Fine lines and wrinkles

- Loss of firmness and elasticity

If you want to know more…

This gel face wash has a cult following for the way it gently removes everyday dirt and makeup—even mascara—without drying the skin. With amino acid-rich soy proteins, soothing cucumber extract, and balancing rosewater, it tones, soothes, and softens for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens

- Sulfates

- Phthalates

Research results:

In an in-vivo test: 

- 97% reported more supple skin

- 93% said it soothed and softened their skin 

- 90% said their skin was balanced and healthy-looking

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to sephora.com:

-Amino Acid-rich Soy Proteins: Help support naturally healthy skin.
-Rosewater: Soothes, hydrates, and balances.
-Borage Seed Oil: Provides lightweight moisture.

What is the texture like?

This has a creamy, gel-like texture. 

Is it scented?

This has a fresh, clean scent with a bit of a cucumber note.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

If I'm going to be honest with you folks, I don't really understand the popularity of this cleanser or why people like it so much. I find its cleansing ability average at best - it leaves my skin feeling kind of meh, not particularly clean and not particularly soft. I also find that although it foams, it doesn't create much of a lather either. Overall I just am not a fan and I wouldn't recommend it to others.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer:  This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to speak about it on this blog. 

Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: Tarte Grav3yardgirl Swamp Queen Palette

Hello folksickles. As a makeup junkie and blogger you may have realized that I review a LOAD of eyeshadow palettes and I like to think of myself as being largely an eyeshadow junkie. In order to de-clutter a bit  I've decided to pick out a palette or series of eyeshadows for the month and have that be my monthly selection for those instances where I'm not doing a tutorial for the blog. Every month I'll do a recap on the eyeshadows - how I feel about them and whether I'll be keeping them or giving them away (and why :P) as well as if I think it's worth its price tag.

Tarte Grav3yardgirl Swamp Queen Palette

Here are the looks I created this month:

So as you can see I created a bunch of neutral, smokey, and every-day looks using this palette. I have been using the Decide Now! app and playing "Palette Roulette" as inspired by xsparkage and it's been so much fun and takes the guesswork out of figuring out which colors to use every day. I just roll 5 shades and work with them for the most part - sometimes I'll add a blending shade or highlight as necessary. As you can see, I've used this palette A LOT (it was my August palette), more so than many of the other ones in this series and as you may have seen in my Departures post, I will be passing it along. Now, the quality of the palette is fantastic and as you see the shades blend beautifully and create a variety of looks. That said, I just don't feel very inspired with this palette and although the looks differ from one to the next I found that overall the looks I achieved appear very similar to one another. :/

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer:  I purchased this palette myself.